BAE Systems Australia pioneers the future of warfare with new ATLAS CCV UGV.

On September 11, 2024, BAE Systems Australia presented a new uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) called the Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV) in Melbourne. This is the first vehicle of its kind developed in Australia. The ATLAS CCV was created in collaboration with several companies, including Supacat in the UK, Valhalla Turrets in Slovenia, and Australian manufacturer Marand. It is an 8x8 modular vehicle that integrates autonomous technology with existing armored vehicle systems.
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The ATLAS CCV is the first vehicle of its kind developed in Australia, equipped with an autonomous system that allows it to drive independently, avoid obstacles, plan routes, and make tactical decisions. (Picture source: BAE Systems Australia)

The ATLAS CCV is designed to operate autonomously in various combat environments, both on and off-road, and support crewed vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks, offering a cost-effective and flexible platform. It incorporates proven technologies to provide a lower-cost vehicle that can be configured for different missions and upgraded to counter emerging threats. At its core is an autonomous system that enables the vehicle to drive independently, avoid obstacles, plan routes, and make tactical decisions.

Andrew Gresham, Managing Director of Defence Delivery at BAE Systems Australia, described the ATLAS CCV as capable of handling tasks typically characterized as "dull, dirty, and dangerous" in combat environments. He noted that the vehicle would enhance the Australian Army's operations in various settings by improving maneuverability and responsiveness to both conventional and unconventional threats. Gresham also emphasized that this UGV marks a milestone as the first of its kind developed in Australia.

The ATLAS CCV is equipped with the 'VANTAGE' Automated Turret System (ATS), a medium-caliber turret designed specifically for uncrewed platforms. This turret includes a 'human-in-the-loop' targeting system, allowing for controlled engagement in combat situations. It is armed with an M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun, which has a range of up to 2,500 meters and is commonly used in various combat vehicles, such as the Bradley M2A2. The turret is low-profile to minimize exposure and adaptable for use on different platforms. It features a dual ammunition feed system and a capacity for 260 rounds, enabling it to sustain multiple engagements.

The ATLAS CCV is equipped with the 'VANTAGE' Automated Turret System (ATS), a medium-caliber turret designed specifically for uncrewed platforms armed with an M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun. (Picture source: BAE Systems Australia)

The ATLAS CCV is designed to fit into a standard 20-foot ISO container or flat rack, allowing for transport by fixed-wing aircraft or landing craft. Its modular configuration enables it to perform various combat roles, including counter-UAV operations and indirect fire support with a 120mm automated mortar system. Its advanced sensor suite includes a 360° multi-spectral automatic target detection, tracking, and classification system, with capabilities such as day cameras, thermal imaging, acoustic sensors, passive electronic warfare, stereo vision, and LIDAR. These sensors support a range of reconnaissance and surveillance tasks, allowing the ATLAS CCV to identify and track threats or provide overwatch or electronic surveillance.

The compact size and firepower of the ATLAS CCV make it a suitable companion for crewed combat vehicles, enabling it to maintain contact with both tracked and wheeled vehicles across various terrains and conditions. It is designed for roles such as flank security, target identification, engagement, reconnaissance, and direct fire support. Its autonomy system offers multiple operational modes, including tele-operation, "Follow Me" mode with obstacle avoidance, waypoint navigation, and goal-based mission planning. The vehicle can execute dynamic behaviors such as real-time user control, autonomous path following, and obstacle avoidance.

The ATLAS CCV is designed for roles such as flank security, target identification, engagement, reconnaissance, and direct fire support. (Picture source: BAE Systems Australia)

Built on a high-mobility chassis with a Supacat driveline, the ATLAS CCV shares commonality with the HMT family of vehicles. It is powered by a Cummins ISB 6-cylinder 6.7-liter diesel engine and an Allison 3000 automatic transmission, designed to meet various military mobility needs, including main battle tanks (MBTs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs). The design includes an 8-wheel drive system, central tire inflation, run-flat inserts, all-axle steering, and crab-walk capability, allowing it to maneuver across complex terrains, including gap crossing, vertical steps, slopes, and tight turns.

The vehicle's survivability features include tailored protection options to reduce mass while safeguarding critical subsystems like its autonomy technology and ammunition storage. It can carry several tonnes of payload within its protected hull, including ammunition, fuel, rations, water, and mission-critical equipment, to support companion crewed platforms. Its modular design enables it to fulfill various combat and support roles, enhancing the lethality, coverage, and flexibility of traditional forces.

Additionally, the ATLAS CCV's architecture is built around an advanced autonomy system that integrates with its sensor suite and command and control systems, facilitating effective communication between crewed and uncrewed assets. This capability supports joint operations and formations based on shared mission data. The vehicle’s control systems include vehicle management, mission management, and payload management systems, providing a comprehensive framework for operational control.

Built on a high-mobility 8x8 chassis with a Supacat driveline, the ATLAS CCV shares commonality with the HMT family of vehicles. (Picture source: BAE Systems Australia)

The ATLAS CCV is designed to operate autonomously in various combat environments, both on and off-road, and support crewed vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks, offering a cost-effective and flexible platform. (Picture source: Australian MoD)